Mental Health Nursing Workforce Plan

14 The Hon. S.G. WADE ().6 July 2022).

1. When was the mental health nursing workforce plan finalised?

2. What progress has been made in implementing the plan?

3. Will the plan need to be revised in light of the election commitments?

4. If so, when will the revision be completed?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): The Minister for Health and Wellbeing has advised:

1. Matters pertaining to the prior term of government can be referred to the former Minister for Health and Wellbeing.

2. A number of the strategies within the plan have commenced, however it is clear these strategies have failed to overcome the significant and growing workforce challenges facing our health system. It is clear more tangible action is needed to significantly improve workforce attraction, retention and recruitment across our mental health nursing workforce.

3. The Malinauskas Labor government is focused on delivering tangible outcomes and will centre its efforts on addressing the alarming workforce gaps originating under the former Liberal government. This includes delivering upon our biggest-in-a-generation mental health service investment.

4. See above.